SECURITY

For the Bataan Memorial Death March, you will be entering White Sands Missile Range, a military base. This means you will be entering property managed by the United States Federal Government. Some restrictions will apply.

Please read the information below so you will know what to expect during your visit to White Sands Missile Range, restrictions, and what you will need to enter.

Marchers and viewers attending the Bataan Memorial Death March should be prepared for increased security and possible delays prior to the event

Motorists are asked to have their vehicle pass prominently displayed in their windshield and to have their IDs ready when they are entering the post. Passengers must also have their IDs ready. Personnel who do not have a picture ID will experience lengthy delays outside the gate while their information is completely checked. Motorists should not be surprised if they or their vehicle(s) are searched. “Everyone is subject to search.” Marchers should plan on arriving at the gates no later than 4:30 a.m. Motorists coming in from the El Paso gate are asked not to come in after 4:45 a.m., or they will run the risk of being stuck in traffic. Martin Luther King Avenue will be closed to all traffic at 5:30 a.m. Random NCIC checks will be conducted on those personnel entering the installation.

Everyone entering the installation should have a valid photo ID. Drivers must also have proof of valid insurance and valid registration.

Marchers will receive their vehicle visitor’s pass during online registration or a week prior to the event. It is important that the pass not be displayed should marchers leave the installation. The pass should be put away in a safe place until they return to post to help prevent participants from experiencing loss of the pass or becoming a possible target of any type. When entering the installation, please have your pass prominently displayed for security personnel.

There will be several law enforcement agencies that will be supporting this year’s event. The agencies will be assigned to zones along the March Route and around the venue area. All unattended packs are subject to search, therefore, we request that all participants maintain positive control of any items and packs brought on the installation.

Except for emergency vehicles, the Las Cruces gate will be closed to outbound range traffic between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the day of the march. Motorists should make arrangements to avoid being delayed on post during these hours.

Personal Firearms

Bataan participants outside of the local area traveling with firearms may enter White Sands Missile Range if they register the weapons and comply with New Mexico law and White Sands Missile Range procedures regarding transportation and storage requirements. Participants with firearms may pre-register weapons with Law Enforcement Division, Directorate of Emergency Services or at the Las Cruces Gate Reception Center. Pre-registration is the preferred method of registration due to the anticipated large numbers of participants. Registration forms and information may be requested from Department of the Army, White Sands Missile Range, Attn: Directorate of Emergency Services, Law Enforcement Division, Police Records and Administration (Phyllis Quintana), White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002 or at the Las Cruces Gate Reception Center. The Bataan weapon registration form can also be found on the Bataan March web site under security. Police Records point of contact is Phyllis Quintana, 575-678-3317 or 575-678-7675, phyllis.d.quintana.civ@mail.mil . The completed Bataan weapon registration form can be sent to this email address for processing.

These instructions should also be with the registration form and at the gate. These firearms must be registered with the Directorate of Emergency Services upon arrival, and must be secured in a locked safe in the billeting room, or stored / transported in the owner’s vehicle IAW the requirements listed below:

Transportation of Privately-owned Firearms. Privately-owned firearms which are transported in a vehicle on WSMR must be unloaded and placed into a compartment of the vehicle that is inaccessible to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. Ammunition for the firearms must be transported in a compartment or area separate from the weapon. Exception: If no such “inaccessible” area exists, such as in a pickup truck, sport utility vehicle, or van, the firearms will be unloaded and transported in the passenger compartment, out of sight, with ammunition in a separate area of the vehicle.

All privately-owned firearms which are brought onto the WSMR installation must be registered with the Directorate of Emergency Services, Law Enforcement Division, through the pre-registration method or at the Visitor Reception Center located at the Las Cruces Gate. Registration of the firearms must be accomplished prior to arrival or upon arrival at WSMR Reception Center, Las Cruces Gate only.

Privately-owned firearms must be transported in accordance with New Mexico State laws when off WSMR, and in accordance with Federal and State laws and WSMR regulations when on WSMR. Weapons may not be loaded while on WSMR.

Privately owned firearms are not authorized to be carried in any configuration either concealed or open carry while on the Installation or within the Installations boundaries. Possession of a concealed carry license does not authorize any individual to carry a firearm on WSMR. Violations of this policy and/or Regulation may be prosecuted.

If a participant or spectator has a weapon, it must be declared and registered prior to the event.

Ammunition for the firearms must be transported in a compartment or area separate from the weapon.

Concealed carry licenses do not apply on military installations and must be declared and registered prior to the event.

Any participants or spectators that have not registered their weapons prior will be denied access to WSMR.